In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Indian Head pennies symbolize childhood innocence and the mystery of growing up. The pennies are discovered by the main characters, Scout and Jem Finch, in the knothole of a tree on the property of their reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley.
Throughout the story, the Indian Head pennies serve as tangible tokens of the friendship and fantastical adventures that Scout and Jem share. The act of finding these coins captures the excitement and wonder of childhood, representing the innocence they possess before facing the harsh realities of the world around them.
Thus, Indian Head pennies are more than just mere currency; they embody the themes of discovery, curiosity, and the transition from childhood to adulthood in the narrative.